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Crispy on the outside and juicy inside these Bang Bang Chicken Bites come drenched in a creamy spicy sauce that vanishes from the platter long before the party ends. Whether you are serving friends on game day or just want a family treat everyone can pick up with their fingers this is the recipe I lean on when I want quick results with maximum flavor.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast or thighs: choose boneless and skinless for fastest cooking and most tender bites
- Buttermilk: tenderizes the meat and gives a tangy base for marinating
- Salt and black pepper: essential for balancing and deepening flavors
- All purpose flour: creates the main crunch in the coating
- Cornstarch: lightens the breading to make it crisp instead of heavy
- Garlic powder: for savory undertones that warm up the breading
- Paprika: for color and mild smokiness opt for a vibrant paprika to boost that color
- Cayenne pepper: optional but adds real heat for anyone who loves spice
- Vegetable oil: use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for safe frying
- Mayonnaise: gives the sauce its creaminess go for a full fat mayo for best texture
- Sweet chili sauce: adds sweetness and signature tang find a brand you trust for balanced flavor
- Sriracha sauce: brings classic heat use more or less depending on taste
- Honey: smooths out the sauce and gives extra stickiness
- Rice vinegar: brightens the sauce and cuts through richness
- Green onions: for fresh color and crunch in every bite
- Toasted sesame seeds: bring a little nuttiness and extra crunch use fresh seeds for best flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Combine chicken pieces with buttermilk salt and black pepper in a mixing bowl Stir until each piece is well coated Cover and refrigerate for at least fifteen minutes or up to one hour This step makes the chicken juicy and flavorful all the way through
- Mix the Breading:
- In a separate bowl whisk together flour cornstarch garlic powder paprika cayenne pepper and salt Mix evenly so the breading sticks well and gives every piece a crunchy crust
- Heat the Oil:
- Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or heavy bottomed pot until two inches deep Heat oil until shimmering and hot ideally to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit This ensures a crisp shell without greasy chicken
- Dredge the Chicken:
- Remove chicken from the marinade and let excess liquid drip off Coat each piece with the flour mixture pressing gently so every bite has a thick even layer
- Fry the Chicken:
- Carefully lower a few breaded pieces into the hot oil making sure not to crowd the pan Fry for four to five minutes or until chicken turns deep golden brown and is cooked through Monitor the heat to keep oil temperature steady for best results
- Drain the Chicken:
- Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack or paper towel lined plate to drain off extra oil Keep chicken crisp by spacing the pieces out
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- While chicken fries whisk together mayonnaise sweet chili sauce sriracha honey and rice vinegar in a bowl Taste and adjust heat or sweetness to your liking Sauce should be smooth and creamy
- Sauce and Garnish:
- Toss hot chicken bites in the Bang Bang sauce until well coated or serve sauce alongside for dipping Finish with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds right before serving
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My favorite part is swirling in just a little extra Sriracha at the end for a special kick My kids love decorating the tray with green onions and sesame seeds and it has become their unofficial job every game day
Storage Tips
Let leftover chicken cool completely before storing to keep it crisp Store in an airtight container in the fridge for two to three days Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer until warmed through and crunchy again
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have buttermilk use one cup milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice for the marinade Gluten free flour blends work well in place of regular flour For an egg free sauce choose vegan mayonnaise
Serving Suggestions
Serve piled high on a platter for parties nestle inside lettuce wraps for a lighter meal or tuck into tortillas for fun spicy tacos They also taste great with a side of steamed rice or over a crunchy Asian style salad
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Recipe FAQs
- → How can I make the chicken extra crispy?
For maximum crispiness, ensure the oil is hot enough before frying and do not overcrowd the pan. Coat each chicken piece well with the flour mixture and fry in small batches for even browning.
- → Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, place breaded chicken pieces on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake at 220°C (425°F) for 18–20 minutes, flipping once for even cooking.
- → Is the Bang Bang sauce very spicy?
The sauce has a mild heat from Sriracha and chili sauce. Adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing Sriracha to your taste.
- → What sides pair well with Bang Bang chicken bites?
These bites go well with steamed rice, lettuce leaves for wraps, or even tucked in tacos for a fusion twist.
- → How do I make this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend for the breading and confirm all sauce ingredients are gluten-free by checking labels.
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Both chicken breast and thighs work well. Thighs offer extra juiciness; just ensure all pieces are cut the same size for even cooking.